The Authenticity of the Second Letter to the Thessalonians

The debate surrounding the authorship of Second Thessalonians centers on its similarities to First Thessalonians, with scholars divided on whether it was penned by Paul or a later imitator. William Wrede's influential study highlights the numerous shared expressions and phrases, establishing a strong case for the letter's pseudonymous nature. His analysis not only identifies exact parallels but also connects specific words and verses, shaping the scholarly consensus that Second Thessalonians is a late imitation rather than an authentic work of Paul.